Sessions Announces Violent Crime Task Force, But Details Lacking

U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions made a stop in Charlotte Tuesday. He announced the formation of two new task forces to fight violent crime. But details on these new efforts were scant.

U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions in Charlotte

Credit Tom Bullock / WFAE

Attorney General Sessions began the heart of his speech by crediting those seated before him for bringing the rate of violent crime in American to a relatively low level. "It's largely because of dedicated law enforcement officials like you that crime has declined significantly in 20 years."

But the number of violent crimes, Sessions noted, has been trending up over the past two years. Both across the nation and here in Charlotte.

"Sadly, this beautiful city has not been immune to the problems either." He then listed a series of statistics. "Robbery is up by a third. Assault is up by 29 percent. Murders are up a staggering 36 percent."

In fact there have already been at least 85 murders in Charlotte in 2017, compared to 69 in all of last year.

It's easy to see these as just statistics. But Sessions tried to remind the crowd each number represents a person. "They are moms and dads and daughters and spouses, friends and neighbors. Empty places at Christmas dinner. Holes in the hearts and souls of victims that will never close."

Now is the time, Sessions said, to act. To flood resources to the areas where the crimes are taking place. The Attorney General then stated he wants to make every neighborhood safe. "We will not cede a community, a block or a street corner to violent thugs or drug dealers."

Strong words.

But when it comes to how this will be done, Sessions was vague.

He announced two new joint task forces, teams where federal, local and state law enforcement officials work together to bring down the rate of violent crime. One based here in Charlotte, the other in Western Pennsylvania.